Ep 5. Art and Life

In "Art and Life," the fifth episode of season one of Easy, we see the effects that Art can have on Life.

The episode is centered around struggling artist Jo (Jacqueline Toboni) who is trying to make ends meet while pursuing her passion for painting. She is frustrated with her job at a digital marketing firm, where she feels like she’s not being taken seriously and is not able to fully express herself creatively.

Jo becomes infatuated with fellow artist Chase (Kiersey Clemons), who is everything that Jo wishes she could be: confident, successful, and always being asked to showcase her work. After meeting at a gallery event, the two begin a romantic relationship that pushes Jo out of her comfort zone.

Meanwhile, Jo’s boyfriend, Jacob (Dave Franco), is also struggling with his own artistic endeavors. He is a talented woodworker who is hesitant to sell his work, because he feels like it is too personal. He is also feeling inferior to Jo, who seems to be making more strides in her career than he is.

As the episode progresses, we watch as Jo tries to navigate her insecurities while also attempting to impress Chase. She begins to lose sight of her own artistic vision, instead trying to replicate Chase’s style in order to impress her. Her relationship with Jacob also becomes strained as she becomes more distant and less communicative.

Throughout the episode, we see the way that Art and Life intersect. Jo’s career is held back by the realities of Life - her need to pay rent and make ends meet - while also being influenced by her personal relationships. Meanwhile, Jacob’s artistic output is an extension of his Life - a way for him to cope with the stresses of his job and to express himself creatively.

As the episode draws to a close, Jo has an epiphany and realizes that in order to truly succeed as an artist, she needs to embrace her own unique style and voice. She decides to break things off with Chase in order to focus on herself and her own work. Jacob’s artistic career also takes a turn for the better, as he finally gains the confidence to showcase and sell his work.

"Art and Life" is a beautifully crafted episode that examines the nuances of the creative process and the ways in which our personal relationships can impact our work. It features standout performances from the entire cast, but particularly from Toboni in her portrayal of a young artist trying to find her place in the world. The episode is a poignant reminder of the importance of staying true to yourself in both Art and Life.